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Ivett Taylor By Fabian Stennett

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The Ciboney people, one of the earliest indigenous groups in the Caribbean, were part of the diverse cultural fabric that existed in Jamaica long before European colonization. By the time the Maroon communities formed in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ciboney had already established a significant presence.


The term "Troglodyte," often associated with prehistoric cave dwellers, could be metaphorically applied here to describe the deep, ancient connection to the earth and natural surroundings that the Maroon people — influenced by both African and indigenous Caribbean heritage — maintained. This spiritual link to the land and their ancestral ways of life has been crucial to their survival and resistance over centuries.


The Maroon peoples’ inner spiritual capacity can be traced back to the 1655 period when the British took control of Jamaica and began the brutal process of enslaving Africans. However, the Maroons — a blend of runaway enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples — formed independent communities in the Blue Mountains and other remote areas of Jamaica. Their spiritual strength, rooted in both African traditions and the indigenous wisdom passed down through generations, helped them resist British colonial forces for centuries.


In 1738, after years of warfare, the British finally recognized the Maroons as a sovereign group through the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This historical event marked the Maroons' significant victory and formal recognition of their sovereignty. Their unique blend of spiritual and cultural practices, which include a mix of African religious customs and indigenous Caribbean beliefs, continues to be a defining feature of Maroon identity today.


Their history represents a powerful example of resilience and resistance, grounded in the deep spiritual connection to their ancestors and the land they fought to protect.

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